Squirrels love to nibble on pumpkins - here's how to keep them away
There are several effective (and humane) ways to keep squirrels from turning your fall decorations or garden harvest into snacks:
1. Use Natural Repellents
2. Create a Barrier
3. Use Visual or Motion Deterrents
4. Try Coatings or Finishes
5. Provide Alternatives - Place a few corn cobs or nuts in a distant part of the yard. Squirrels often leave your pumpkins alone once they find an easier food source.
With a few of these strategies — especially combining a repellent spray and wire barrier — your pumpkins can stay intact and festive all season long.
Homemade Squirrel Repellent Spray Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Tip: Test a small area first; the dish soap can slightly change the pumpkin’s finish.
The hot pepper deters squirrels by taste and smell, while the peppermint adds an extra scent barrier — together, they’re an effective and natural defense for your fall display.
1. Use Natural Repellents
- Spray pumpkins with a mix of water and hot sauce, vinegar, or peppermint oil. The strong scent and taste discourage chewing.
- Commercial repellents: Products with putrescent egg solids or capsaicin (hot pepper) are effective and safe for outdoor use.
2. Create a Barrier
- Surround pumpkins with a lightweight chicken wire cloche or garden fencing to physically block access.
- Elevate displays: Place pumpkins on porches, railings, or stands that make them harder to reach.
3. Use Visual or Motion Deterrents
- Add fake owls, rubber snakes, or motion-activated sprinklers to startle squirrels away.
- Move the deterrents occasionally so they don’t get used to them.
4. Try Coatings or Finishes
- Spraying pumpkins with clear acrylic sealer or hairspray can change the texture and make the surface less appealing to chew.
- Avoid coatings like petroleum jelly or WD-40 — they can attract more critters.
5. Provide Alternatives - Place a few corn cobs or nuts in a distant part of the yard. Squirrels often leave your pumpkins alone once they find an easier food source.
With a few of these strategies — especially combining a repellent spray and wire barrier — your pumpkins can stay intact and festive all season long.
Homemade Squirrel Repellent Spray Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 quart (4 cups) of water
- 1 tablespoon of hot sauce or 1–2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon of dish soap (helps it stick to surfaces)
- A few drops of peppermint oil or clove oil — squirrels dislike strong scents.
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well.
- Spray generously on pumpkins, planters, and surrounding areas — avoiding tender plant leaves if you use a strong mix.
- Reapply every few days, especially after rain or watering.
Tip: Test a small area first; the dish soap can slightly change the pumpkin’s finish.
The hot pepper deters squirrels by taste and smell, while the peppermint adds an extra scent barrier — together, they’re an effective and natural defense for your fall display.